Senior Human Resources Adviser

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC624293

Salary Range: £40,643 - £45,077 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Hours per week: 37 (part-time hours may be considered)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 24 July 2026

Make a real difference in education.

An exciting opportunity has opened for an experienced Senior HR Adviser to join Education People Services (EPS).

The Role:

We provide a highly respected HR advisory and consultancy service to over 700 schools across Hampshire and Oxfordshire, and we take great pride in the meaningful impact we deliver every day.

In a hybrid role, with an office base in the historic city of Winchester, you'll join a collaborative and supportive team as a Senior HR Adviser, partnering with headteachers, senior leaders and school governors.

Our vision is to be a trusted, leading provider of education personnel services, delivering outstanding and responsive solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.

We are the HR consultancy of choice for over 700 maintained and academy schools across Hampshire and neighbouring local authorities. With more than 30 years of experience, our team brings in-depth knowledge and expertise, ensuring schools receive the highest quality professional HR support. 

Applications for part time hours may be considered, however a minimum of four days per week (29 hours) is required. 

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements in your application.

Our Interview process includes:

• A 10-minute presentation (topic provided in advance)
• A case study exercise
• A 40-minute panel interview
• Applicants are advised that the full interview process is expected to last no longer than two hours

What you’ll do:

• Provide expert, pragmatic HR advice on complex employee relations matters
• Manage a diverse and complex caseload, supporting schools to navigate challenging situations with confidence
• Help enable schools to take decisions that are legally sound, fair and aligned with policy and best practice, taking into account options and risk
• Contribute to our HR Helpdesk, offering timely, high-quality guidance
• Build trusted relationships and positively influence stakeholders across the education sector

This is a role where your judgement, professionalism and people skills will make a genuine impact on not just leaders but also the lives of children and young people.

What we’re looking for:

We're looking for an experienced and confident HR professional who can provide expert, pragmatic advice on complex employee relations matters and support schools to make fair, legally compliant decisions.

The ideal candidate will build strong relationships with headteachers, senior leaders and governors, while managing a varied caseload and influencing decision-making with professionalism and insight. With excellent judgement, communication skills and a commitment to high-quality service, you'll play a key role in supporting schools and positively impacting the lives of children and young people.

If you’re a skilled HR professional seeking a role where your expertise makes a real difference, this is your chance to play a key part in supporting schools to build positive, thriving environments for children.

Why join us?

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts.

We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We've created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you're empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Additional Information:

Senior HR Adviser Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Michelle Vaughan, Schools Casework Manager on michelle.vaughan@hants.gov.uk, or Kathy Fernando, Strategic HR Adviser on kathy.fernando@hants.gov.uk

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
 

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
 

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.